Courtney Smith – The new face of Newcastle

Poise, style, confidence and humility – Courtney Smith is the genuine article.

The 22-year-old student has taken her first step on the journey of Miss Newcastle, ending off a spectacular finale evening with the crown and two additional awards.

In her words, it was an experience like no other.

On Saturday night, Courtney shone on the stage, the mic and in swimwear, and was a deserved Voice of Qualitas and the New Active prize for best body.

“It’s very new and interesting, but it’s also hectic – I can’t lie.”

Although nervousness and stress threatened on the night, Courtney said the professional attitude of Kevin Ellis and Gareth Greaves put her at ease.

As a result, judges and guests saw her best side.

Last year, Courtney watched starry-eyed as the contestants strutted their stuff and represented their sponsors with courage and perfect diction.

Always one for a challenge, she decided to enter the pageant herself, with no experience.

“I felt I should try it, and get out of my comfort zone.”

Considered the athletic type, Courtney said if she had known two years ago what would come to pass at the finale, she would have laughed.

This time around, she believes all girls should enter the pageant.

“All the girls of Newcastle should gain their confidence on the stage. You learn how to speak well, socialise with others and learn much more. I even proved a point to myself.”

Courtney said it was one thing to undertake a new challenge, and another to exceed one’s expectations.

“I am truly humbled, and never expected this.”

A voice to match the beauty

As the Voice of Qualitas, having excelled in the speech part of Miss Newcastle 2016, Courtney believes herself naturally good at speaking. For this reason, she is pursuing a degree in Public Relations Management.

She was also a drama student at St Dominic’s Academy.

Under tutelage of Barbara Elliot, of Qualitas Career Academy, the 2016 Miss Newcastle contestants were taught that when speaking in public, breathe first, then let it flow.

“It is and will always be frightening, and you can’t control nerves. The best is to succumb, take a breath and relax first.”

Despite her relative ease in front of a crowd, Courtney said she was rendered speechless at the announcement of Miss Newcastle for 2016. It was the climax of a emotional rollercoaster of an experience.

“You go from one emotion to the next, thinking of all who helped you get there. Once I realised what was happening, I was a complete mess. It hit me like a ton of bricks,” she said with a smile.

Capping off a phenomenal night for Courtney, was the announcement of the New Active prize, one she described as a blessing.

She gave credence to her fellow competitors, who she believed all deserved the same accolades.

“Winning the prize was a boost to my own confidence and esteem, although I am confident and have good self-esteem. Every woman likes to be told she has a great body.”

One of Courtney’s stiffest challenges was the swimwear section.

She said it was intimidating to be on stage in front of crowds, but added the key was to simply ‘strut your stuff’.

It helped the outfits by Gareth and Kevin were top-notch.

“The passion and enthusiasm of these men was outstanding, and the outfits were just amazing. When we had a preview of our designs, all of us were overjoyed.”

What’s next for Miss Newcastle 2016?

Looking a few months forward into her reign, Courtney aims to involve herself in many charity events, and is intent on being the best ambassador she can be.

Launching her own organisation is also on the cards.

“I want to get underprivileged schools to be competitive in sport against other schools. Sport is great stimulation and also teaches leadership and teamwork.”

Courtney will partner with the Lions Club too, as a firm believer in supporting local charities when and where possible.

“I hope to fulfil my duties to the best of my abilities, and make them proud.”

The recipe for success

Holding back tears, Courtney lauded her mother, Valerie as her inspiration in life.

“Without her, I couldn’t be where I am. I would be nothing without her. She guides, teaches and motivates me, and if I have half of her qualities, I too will be a great person.”

Concluding, Courtney expressed her gratitude to all who had supported her Miss Newcastle journey thus far, in particular Christinè Harburn.

“My hat goes off to her, for her dedication to modelling and pageantry, and for her amazing help throughout and being a brilliant driving force.” To her fellow contestants, Courtney congratulated them on doing so well during the pageant.

“You all have something so amazing to offer.”